Far more accurate visitor numbers were recorded this year as a result of the event being ticketed for the first time ever.

Photo: Coventry City Council, 2019

More than 75,000 people flocked to the War Memorial Park this past weekend to enjoy a range of action-packed events at the popular Godiva Festival.

It was the first year that the event was ticketed, meaning a more accurate figure for visitors to the event than usual was possible.

The festival, in its 21st year, offered something for all ages, with performances from Busted, Levellers, Afro Celt Sound System, Feeder and Pinkfong Baby Shark, to name but a few. Visitors also enjoyed plenty of fun in the Family Field, with the mini petting farm, birds of prey, funfair and GoCV Sports and Wellbeing Zone proving popular.

It seems that initial criticisms to ticket the event didn’t deter people from turning up and having a good time.

But the successful event suffered a disappointment of seeing a number of acts cancelled in the Rhythm Tent on Saturday evening – a decision which was taken for safety reasons after the tent reached capacity and barriers were breached.

But despite the decision, which left hundreds disappointed, the overall event was deemed a “big success” by festival organisers.

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Events, said: “The Godiva Festival has become one of the jewels in the Coventry crown and it was pleasing to see so many people have fun at the event again this year.

“Of course, the decision to close the Rhythm Tent on Saturday evening was disappointing, but necessary as the safety of all people attending the festival is our number one priority, and thankfully no one was seriously hurt.”

Another popular attraction for the weekend was the Coventry UK City of Culture 2021’s Destination Desi lineup in the Rhythm Tent on Sunday. It celebrated the spectrum of music created, inspired or influenced by British Asian communities, with performances from Steel Banglez, Harris J and Sonna Rele.

Councillor Khan added: “The Godiva Festival offers something for everyone and as always, we will look to learn lessons from this year’s event to ensure the 2020 festival is the best it can be.”

The weekend also paid tribute to 40 years of 2-Tone music with performances from The Selecter, Ruder Than U, Tippa Irie, Rooted N Booted and Barbdwire.